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Swedish learners and teachers from the Kunskapsgymnasiet Observatoriet at CSIR, Hartebeesthoek
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The CSIR Satellite Applications Centre was high on the itinerary of 'heavenly-minded' Swedish visitors who called for a visit on 17 June 2009. The group from the Kunskapsgymnasiet Observatoriet comprised the principal, John Baumber, 15 high-school learners and two science and astronomy teachers.
The Kunskapsgymnasiet Observatoriet - just one of two in Sweden offering astronomy as a subject - is located at Stockholm University's old Observatory in Saltsjöbaden just outside Stockholm. This unique site includes six large cupolas and telescopes. It was established by Baumber, former headmaster of England's largest high school (Rivington & Blackrod High) and a prominent international education consultant.
While the CSIR does not pursue astronomy, its space activities in the realm of earth observation and tracking, telemetry and command fascinated the learners. Ram Yahya commented, "It was very interesting and we learnt a lot. Thank you very much." Jeffrey Frisk summed up the experience in one word, "Awesome", and Daniel Potipa's feedback highlighted the sense of discovery, which first-time visitors to Hartebeesthoek experience, "Very interesting and I enjoyed it ... this was really good. I learned a lot of new things and I would recommend people to come without hesitation."
These aspirant scientists and astronomers and their teachers visited Gauteng from 14 to 23 June 2009 as the guest of Prestige College in Hammanskraal, its partner in South Africa. This partnership was set up by Bill Temple, who leads a Programme for Advancement of International Education Visits to Tshwane of the Teachers' International Professional Development (SA), and who is the facilitator of a partnership between these two schools.
Enquiries: CSIR Communication
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